City announces Gentilly Streetscape project in District D

October 03, 2012

NEW ORLEANS, LA— This week, the City of New Orleans broke ground on the Gentilly Streetscape Project in District D. This project will enhance roadways along Elysian Fields Avenue from Foy Street to St. Aloysius Street and Stephen Girard Street, Gentilly Boulevard from Pauger Street to Elysian Fields Avenue, and Caton Street from Norman Meyer Avenue to Elysian Fields Avenue. Streetscape projects create more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods and help create additional and continued private investment. There are a total of 24 streetscape projects currently underway or planned by the City of New Orleans.

“This streetscape project in Gentilly is very important,” Mayor Landrieu said. “Pedestrian-friendly streetscapes encourage people to be outside and provide numerous health and social benefits. Enhancing our streetscapes also provides a public benefit to the entire community and help trigger private investment for these neighborhoods still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.”

District D Councilmember Cynthia Hedge-Morrell said, “The Gentilly Streetscape Project will aesthetically enhance surrounding neighborhoods and serve as motivation for getting people outdoors. The streetscaping projects, funded by Disaster Community Development Block Grants, will enhance public areas and spark recovery and economic development in key recovery neighborhoods. The Gentilly residents will surely enjoy and take full advantage of these pedestrian friendly paths.”

Pat Forbes, Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Community Development said, “The Gentilly Streetscape Project will promote new interest and investment in these recovering neighborhoods. By using $700,000 in disaster recovery money to enhance the existing infrastructure through improving sidewalks and improving access for individuals with disabilities, the state is supporting a key strategy in promoting the return of vital venues that anchor our recovering communities.”

During construction, residents can expect to experience temporary construction inconveniences such as limited access to areas within the construction zone, movement of heavy equipment, safety signage, fences and construction sounds. No major lane closures are anticipated during construction and traffic flow will remain open at all times.

The Gentilly Streetscape Project is estimated to be completed before the end of 2012. The cost for this project is $700,000 and is funded by Disaster Community Development Block Grants. This project was designed by Three Fold Consultants, LLC of New Orleans and will be constructed by Three C’s Properties, Inc. of St. Rose.